Arts & Dementia

Dementia is a disorder that causes memory loss and difficulty with communication. The arts can help people with this disorder by bringing back memories and giving them an outlet for expression. Being involved with the arts improves the quality of life of persons with dementia. It promotes social relationships with others, maintains thinking skills, and allows them ways to be creative.

Dementia

• Dementia is a chronic condition that progresses over time resulting in the decrease of brain functioning. The most pronounced feature of this condition is short-term memory loss. Dementia involves other problems as well, which include inability to speak or understand language, poor judgment, inappropriate behavior and inability to think clearly or learn and keep safe. It may be caused by of a number of medical conditions. The most common one is Alzheimer's Disease. The symptoms of dementia get worse over time. With mental and physical stimulation, those with dementia hold onto their mental abilities longer, according to Dr. Paul Raia of the Alzheimer's Association.

The Arts

• The arts are part of our culture. They are composed of numerous creative activities and endeavors and are more than visual art. They are the outcome of human creativity. Music, writing, dancing, painting, drawing, acting, sculpting and wood carving are all arts. Doing any of these things might bring pleasure to people with dementia. The trick is to find something that will keep their interest and attention.

  "ARTZ" is a group whose primary purpose is to better the cultural life of persons who have Alzheimer's Disease and related dementias. This organization allows these people to express their inner selves through the arts whether it is through creation or through seeing the art of others.

Creativity

• All people are creative. It is a part of being human, according to Patricia Baines of Alzheimer's Australia. Some people enjoy sewing, others like drawing, some like singing or playing music. Others express their creativity by writing prose or poetry. Creative expression is a basic human desire and gives you a feeling of well-being. Even those with disabilities, including those with dementia, can find happiness in doing or seeing creative art. Engaging in the type of art that brought pleasure to them before they got dementia is more likely to be meaningful to them now.

Music

• Music can help bring back memories in persons with dementia. Familiar songs can elicit a sense of happiness. Spiritual music can provide a feeling of peace for someone with faith. Clapping and dancing are physical art forms that are good exercise and means of expression. Group music activities can be a source of socialization.

  A large part of the brain is usually damaged in persons with dementia. Language skills of a person are controlled by the left side of the brain. Music is perceived by many different areas of the brain rather than just one as language is. Music is capable of reaching the remaining healthy parts of a dementia person's brain.

  Because music is received and processed by different brain cells, even severely demented people can respond to music. It has non-verbal stimulant qualities that permeate a person's mind. Symptoms of dementia like confusion and agitation can be soothed by the calming and relaxing qualities of music and singing.

Art Therapy

• Art therapy can help people with dementia express themselves. Even when they can no longer actually take part, watching someone else paint or draw can be stimulating.

  Painting with watercolor and other similar activities offer persons with dementia a chance to freely express themselves. One-on-one interaction increases the success of the person with dementia engaging in this activity. It is best to socialize first before starting an art project. Introducing the project in small simple steps helps the person with dementia from getting overwhelmed. It is best to allow the person with dementia to process what is being said at his own pace and to remember that it is the process, not the product, that counts.

  Looking at beautiful pieces of art can be enjoyable to a person with dementia. Each museum in the "ARTZ" network has special pieces of art that tap into the emotional memory of those with dementia, according to Sean Caufield, creative director of the ARTZ program.